Newcastle United open pre-season at Carlisle United

Andy Carroll is looking to impress during pre-season ahead of the Magpies' Premier League return

by Martin Lindsay
BBC Radio Newcastle Blast reporter

Newly promoted Newcastle United are looking to get their pre-season off to a winning start this weekend as they travel to Carlisle United.

Saturday's game is in celebration of the centenary year of Brunton Park, which hosted its first match in 1909 against this weekend's opposition, with the visitors recording a 2-0 victory.

The Magpies have spent the last week in Ireland, where they underwent a week's pre-season training on the outskirts of Dublin.

Saturday's encounter is Newcastle's first match of a busy pre-season, as they step up preparations for their opening Premier League game away to Manchester United on 16 August.

HOME TEAM

Offiong was part of Newcastle's youth system

Greg Abbott's Carlisle currently boast a 100% winning record in pre-season with victories over Kendal Town and Workington, but the Magpies will no doubt prove stronger opposition as they prepare for their return to the top flight.

Abbott's side are looking to make it three consecutive pre-season victories against a side who could only manage a 1-1 draw in their last visit to Brunton Park in July 2007. Nolberto Solano was the Magpies' saviour three years ago as he netted a last-minute volley to deny Carlisle a famous win.

The home side currently boast three former Magpies in their ranks with Adam Collin, Mark Gillespie and Richard Offiong all plying their trade with the Cumbrians.

Former Sunderland trio Graham Kavanagh, Ian Harte and Paul Thirlwell also represent the League One side.

VISITORS

Krul made nine appearances on loan at Carlisle in the 2008-09 season

Magpies manager Chris Hughton is expected to field a strong side at Brunton Park with Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan, Alan Smith, Jose Enrique, Fabricio Coloccini, Steven Taylor, Steve Harper, Wayne Routledge, Shola Ameobi and new signing James Perch all included.

Goalkeeper Tim Krul is also named and will make a return to Brunton Park after making nine loan appearances for the home side during the 2008/09 season.

Argentina international Jonas Gutierrez will however be absent, as he has been given time off after his involvement in this summer's World Cup in South Africa.